"We are in discussions about selling between two and 60 L-159s to Poland but the discussions are at an early stage and nothing will be agreed for some time," Kulich said.

Poland is leading efforts to establish a joint training base for air force pilots from the Visegrad Four countries - the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia as well as Poland. All four joined the European Union on May 1.

The countries' defence ministers aproved the plan at a meeting last month.

According to Czech Radio, the planes would be purchased to equip the training base.

But Kulich said he could not confirm that.

"The joint training centre is a matter for the Poles that we cannot comment on," he added.

WAR.WIRE